Newsflash from Sunday, 22 February 2026:

The strategic landscape of the Mediterranean is shifting rapidly this weekend. As of Saturday, February 21, 2026, the U.S. Naval Support Activity at Souda Bay in Crete has become a hive of military activity. A significant influx of American fighter jets and support aircraft has landed on the island, signaling a major escalation in readiness as Washington weighs its options regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Here is what we know about the massive military buildup currently unfolding in Greece.

A “Steel Rain” in the Mediterranean: F-35s and A-10s Arrive

Witnesses and satellite reports have confirmed that Souda Bay is currently “overflowing” with American airpower. The deployment includes:

* F-35 Lightning II: The world’s most advanced stealth fighters.
* A-10 Thunderbolt II: The legendary “Warthog” ground-attack aircraft.
* Support Fleet: The base is also hosting aerial refueling tankers, transport aircraft, and specialized planes for special operations.

This buildup in Greece coincides with reports from the UK, where approximately 12 F-22 Raptor stealth fighters were spotted transiting through British airspace, reportedly en route to the broader Middle East region.

Around a dozen F-22 jets have transited through the UK en route to the Middle East, while large numbers of F-35s, A-10s, tankers, transports, and special operations aircraft have been spotted at Souda Bay in Greece. pic.twitter.com/IKwbxWjPlB

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 21, 2026

The 10-Day Ultimatum

The military movement follows a stern warning from the White House. On Thursday, February 19, President Donald Trump indicated that a final decision on the strategy regarding Iran would be made within the next ten days to two weeks.

“We will make a deal, one way or another,” the President stated, suggesting that the current military posture is a direct means of pressure on Tehran to meet U.S. demands for a new nuclear agreement. While White House officials have not confirmed a specific strike plan, they have acknowledged that options range from “limited precision strikes” to a more “extensive campaign.”

Tehran Responds: Threats to US Aircraft Carriers

The reaction from Iran has been swift and defiant. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, took to social media to warn that Iranian forces are on high alert.

Tehran has claimed that its military capabilities are sufficient to strike U.S. interests in the region, with Khamenei specifically suggesting that Iran has the power to sink a U.S. aircraft carrier should an attack be initiated.

Why Souda Bay?

Located in the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean, Souda Bay is one of the most critical strategic assets for the U.S. and NATO. Its deep-water port and airfield allow for the rapid deployment of forces into the Middle East, North Africa, and the Balkans.

The current concentration of F-35s and A-10s in Crete underscores the base’s role as a “springboard” for potential operations, providing the U.S. with the proximity needed to act quickly while remaining under the protection of a NATO ally.

What’s Next?

As the “two-week window” begins to close, all eyes are on the Eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf. Military analysts warn that while the buildup is a tool for diplomacy through strength, the risk of a “generalized ignition” in the Middle East remains high if rhetoric turns into kinetic action.

For now, the residents of Chania and the personnel at Souda Bay are witnessing a historic level of military readiness, waiting to see if a diplomatic breakthrough or a military confrontation will be the next chapter in this unfolding crisis.

Zarpa News

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